THE FATAL HOTEL AFFRAY.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 863, 8 July 1910, Page 7

THE FATAL HOTEL AFFRAY.

INQUEST PROCEEDING. (By Telegraph—Press Associations Auckland, July 7. An inquest on Jolin Jl'ason Price, who was killed in a fraca.s in the Wiiitcmata Ilotel, o]icu«d this morning. Dr. Ulilton, who gave evidence as to the cause ol' death, said, in cross-examina-tion, that it was possible that (he injury was caused by Price tailing on something angular if he pitched against such an object with all his weight. James O'Shaughnessoy, barman, stated that Tucker, intervening in an altercation between Hurley and deceased, struck the latter on the light side of the head or neclc. Price fell, and in rising lie was again struck by Tucker. Price i'eil on his back whero there were some boxes on the floor, which Price might have struck in falling, but ho was clear of tho boxes when witness saw him on tiie floor. Edward Wren Hurley, labourer, deposed that he was in the hotel at tho lime of the affray, and was standing at Price's side. Prico said to witue.-s: ".Arc you going to shout?" or wards to that effect. Witness replied: "No, not for cadgers." With that Price said: 'Ml 1 you don't take back those words I'll hit yon," and then Price punched witness. \Vitness did not strike him, but at this stage Tucker came on the scene. Witness heard Tucker say to Price: "Hit a man your size." Witness at onco stepped out of striking distance, aud then ho heard a tlmd, and saw Price on the floor.;- When he saw tho bystanders picking up Price he (witness) left. He did not know at that time that Price was dead. The inquest was adjourned till 2 p.m. to-morrow.